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Adventure Travel and Photography in the Philippines and BeyondMon, 30 Mar 2015 05:10:36 +0000en-UShourly1Hanoi | In and Around the Old Quarter : The Familiar Old Townhttp://www.ironwulf.net/2014/11/17/hanoi-old-quarter-in-around-old-town/
http://www.ironwulf.net/2014/11/17/hanoi-old-quarter-in-around-old-town/#commentsMon, 17 Nov 2014 02:00:38 +0000http://www.ironwulf.net/?p=9599I can’t help but feel nostalgic. Six years is quite a long time to return to a place. Hanoi was such a favorite destination of mine back then. Yes I’ve treaded the streets of the Old Quarter before, went to an overnight cruise at Ha Long Bay and even enjoyed the misty coolness of Sapa Valley during my first visit in Northern Vietnam. But I don’t mind going back to see what has changed that’s why I didn’t think twice when an invite for a familiarization tour of Hanoi, organized by Cebu Pacific Air and Stratworks came in the email. There’s the certain comfort of stepping back into the familiar and also a certain anxiety to see how things have transitioned from now to then.

I can’t help but feel nostalgic. Six years is quite a long time to return to a place. Hanoi was such a favorite destination of mine back then. Yes I’ve treaded the streets of the Old Quarter before, went to an overnight cruise at Ha Long Bay and even enjoyed the misty coolness of Sapa Valley during my first visit in Northern Vietnam. But I don’t mind going back to see what has changed that’s why I didn’t think twice when an invite for a familiarization tour of Hanoi, organized by Cebu Pacific Air and Stratworks came in the email. There’s the certain comfort of stepping back into the familiar and also a certain anxiety to see how things have transitioned from now to then.

A girl among Hanoi theatre mask

Familiar Hanoi

“Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi” greeted our English speaking guide, Duc, who has a distinct British-twang in his accent. Red-eye flights means we land in Hanoi in the dark so I had to keep my excitement until the morning to see the city in good light. But I did notice the numerous sky scrapers, probably condo developments near the vicinity of the airport which I didn’t notice before.

At the One Pillar Pagoda

More than the One Pillar Pagoda

As with any familiarization tours, I just go with the flow, relax and let the organizers guide us through. Our first stop was to pay homage to the most famous man in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. At Ba Dinh Square, crowd of fellow tourist flock to get a sight of his granite mausoleum housing Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed remains. Just at the back of the mausoleum is one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam – the One Pillar Pagoda. This petite Buddhist temple was constructed by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as a form of gratitude to the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara after he dreamt of being handed a baby. Shortly afterwards, he got married to a peasant girl who bore him a son. The place is enclosed in a small garden currently being manicured at that time. I did love the detail of the gate doors to the temple. The small shrine also is also interesting as there’s a panel where small thumb portraits of the dead can be seen.

Crowded entrance to the Temple of Literature

Temple of Literature

I never knew until this visit that November is the graduation season in Vietnam. A visit to the Temple of Literature found us going with the flow of newly graduate students taking posterity shot of this momentous moment within the 5 gated courtyard of Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070. It was hard to really appreciate the place but still it was amusing to see these young Vietnamese serious about getting their portraits right. From balloon props, to ornate dresses, to wacky poses up to what may seem like a pre-nuptial shoot already. I still got to see the Turtle Steles, the pavillions and the altars of Confucius and his disciples.

Two way. Cyclo in the Old Quarter

Cyclo Into the Old Quarter

An hour in the afternoon was spent riding a cyclo around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The pace was too slow for me I almost dozed off but got excited when I saw familiar streets, coffee shops I had drank before, or that souvenir shop I brought from last time. Aside from the numerous wedding and pre-nuptial photo sessions in almost every corner of Hanoi and the Old Quarter, I’m glad that the old world charm that I used to know and experienced is still there. Yes there are more shops with outdoor brands too but hey it’s a way people earn for a living. And I can’t blame those couples doing their photoshoot here as the colors, the architecture and the busy streets is somewhat admirable and photogenic. I know a lot of street photographers would revel here (hence the black and white photos). At first I was afraid those commercial developments like the high rise condos I saw coming here would have invaded the Old Quarter. It’s a good sign I didn’t notice them here. I guess those high rise were deliberately only allowed outside of this heritage city. If I had my time, I would walk these streets again at my own pace and try to discover more charming hidden cafes, shops or what ever’s there.

Flow of people at the Temple of Literature

A guard and a devotee burning incense at the Temple of Literature

At the gates of the One Pillar Pagoda

Remembering the dead at the One Pillar Pagoda Shrine

New graduates having their photo session at the temple

More scene at the Temple of Literature

A shoe shop at the Old Quarter

Streetside eats in Hanoi

The Pinay Solo Backpacker on a tourist cyclo

Hanoi is so laid back people like to hang out at the streets

On the Huc bridge at Hoan Kiem Lake

Taking time to sit down at Hoan Kiem Lake

The constellation of literature pavillion

Through the temple doors

Discover charming cafe through narrow alleys in the Old Quarter

Our familiarization trip to Hanoi was sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air. Cebu Pacific Air flies from Manila to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturday, leaving Manila at 10:20PM and arriving in Hanoi at 12:30am. Return flights will leave Hanoi for Manila at 1am every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and arrive in Manila at 5:15am.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020–888 or (032) 230–8888. The latest seat sales and promos can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.

All photos from this post were taken with a Nikon D7100. Visit Nikon.ph.

]]>http://www.ironwulf.net/2014/11/17/hanoi-old-quarter-in-around-old-town/feed/2Wandering the Jl Slamet Riyadi, Solo’s Main Avenuehttp://www.ironwulf.net/2013/01/11/wandering-the-jl-slamet-riyadi-solos-main-avenue/
http://www.ironwulf.net/2013/01/11/wandering-the-jl-slamet-riyadi-solos-main-avenue/#commentsFri, 11 Jan 2013 01:00:39 +0000http://www.ironwulf.net/?p=7354Walking has been the usual way for me to get oriented with a new place. It gives me a better perspective on a location and familiarize myself with the landmarks near the place where I am staying. It's also a great way to take a glimpse of the local's everyday life. Like for Solo (or Surakarta), this city unraveled its unique character by seeing it on foot along the paved pedestrian walk of Jl Slamet Riyadi. The low rise buildings, the less touristy crowd, a sit-back and relax atmosphere, amiable people and great showing of Javanese culture. After setting down my baggage at Cakra Homestay, I went out for an afternoon walk along Solo's main avenue.

Walking has been the usual way for me to get oriented with a new place. It gives me a better perspective on a place and familiarize myself with the landmarks near the place where I am staying. It’s also a great way to take a glimpse of the local’s everyday life. Like for Solo (or Surakarta), this city unraveled its unique character by seeing it on foot along the paved pedestrian walk of Jl Slamet Riyadi. The low-rise buildings, the less touristy crowd, a sit-back and relax atmosphere, amiable people and great showing of Javanese culture. After setting down my baggage at Cakra Homestay, I went out for an afternoon walk along Solo’s main avenue.

Street graffiti adding a splash of color in Solo

Jl Slamet Riyadi Creative Vibe

After a satisfying “Nasi Goreng” lunch at Kusuma Sari found on the corner-side, my first priority was to get a physical map I could bring around. I found out the Tourism Office was on the west end stretch of the main Jl Slamet Riyadi avenue so I decided to walk the stretch.

First thing I noticed while walking were some colorful graffiti on some buildings. It’s not as many as the ones in Yogyakarta but they look nice making the city more vibrant.

A local posing on a multi-colored wall

Easy Going and Amiable People

Among the passing bikes, public becak (pedicabs) and a few vehicles, I didn’t seem to notice a lot of people in a hurry. Many seem to like to socialize by the street-side eateries enjoying casual conversation over food. Most of the eateries only have some floor mats where diners would sit down for the snack. Some locals there even didn’t mind having their photos taken. They would even pose too.

The people at the Tourism Office just before the mall were very accommodating. They gave very good suggestions on where I should go during my few days stay. I walked back towards the east side of the road. Dropping by first at Danar Hadi Batik Museum which took me about an hour to tour.

One of the stalls at the Culinary Night Market

Culinary Night Market

It was already late afternoon so I decided to go further to what they call the Culinary Night Market for dinner. It has a row of stalls selling a variety of meals. One I fancied had some quail eggs and mushrooms to grill. It was cheap, delicious and the place has a very cool atmosphere.

It was a pleasurable afternoon walk. I think a lot of city attractions in Solo are walkable if one is in the mood for it.

]]>http://www.ironwulf.net/2013/01/11/wandering-the-jl-slamet-riyadi-solos-main-avenue/feed/9Squirming Through the Jonker Walk Night Market in Melakahttp://www.ironwulf.net/2012/09/06/jonker-walk-night-market/
http://www.ironwulf.net/2012/09/06/jonker-walk-night-market/#commentsThu, 06 Sep 2012 02:48:37 +0000http://www.ironwulf.net/?p=7021Oh I was ready to rub shoulders alright! But it was more than shoulders as at times I had to squirm my whole body way out of the crowd, moving and flowing in different directions at Jalan Hang Jebat Street in Melaka popularly known as the Jonker Walk. Last I was here, we only ventured this famed street boasting of well preserved Peranakan Houses dating back to 1800s during daylight. This was I was looking forward to my re-visit in this vibrant city, to experience the Jonker Walk Night Market.

Oh I was ready to rub shoulders alright! But it was more than shoulders as at times I had to squirm my whole body way out of the crowd, moving and flowing in different directions at Jalan Hang Jebat Street in Melaka popularly known as the Jonker Walk. Last I was here, we only ventured this famed street boasting of well preserved Peranakan Houses dating back to 1800s during daylight. This was I was looking forward to my re-visit in this vibrant city, to experience the Jonker Walk Night Market.

A Peranakan House with an illustrated Baba-Nonya

The Peranakans

The words “Peranakan” and “Baba-Nonya” would usually pop out when in the vicinity of Melaka. To explain briefly, Peranakan, is a Malay word which meant locally as “local born” and it was the word coined to the descendants of 500 Chinese Men who arrived in Melaka between 1400-1500s and married Malay locals. A male Peranakan is called “Baba” and a female is called “Nonya“. The Peranakans is a proud bloodline, they are distinguished by their signature dishes, highly adorned apparel and elaborate architecture. Some pure Peranakan descendants are living till this day though their numbers are dwindling. The guide we had before was a pure Peranakan but nowadays, they were not as strict as before as they are now allowed to marry outside their bloodline.

Jalan Hang Jebat Street at daylight

The Jonker Walk

Elaborate Shophouses

The Jonker Walk (or Jalan Hang Jebat Street) is at the heart of the residential area of Melaka where the roads are mostly 2 way streets and flanked by rows and rows of shophouses. It’s a delight to walk these streets at daylight and appreciate the varying styles of Peranakan Architecture. The style evolved from the 18th century with the usual louvered window shutters, timber walls and plain masonry. Eventually, the designs and styles became more elaborate with the addition of ceramics figures, friezes and later on tiles. Jonker Walk has many shophouses exhibiting these designs and in good form – one of the reasons why Melaka was included in the UNESCO Heritage City List.

The Malacca dragon at the southern end of Jonker Street

Handmade ref magnets

The Jonker Walk Night Market

Come early evening every weekends (Friday to Sunday), vehicles are no longer allowed to pass by this street. Vendor stalls take their places by the pedestrian walkway and the people starts to stream in. The place becomes really lively without being too rowdy. Merchandise sold here are a mix of local and imported products. Mostly souvenirs and if you’re lucky some rare antiques. What I do like is the many eateries found clumped together at the northern end of the street near the stage where amateur artist and groups perform and a number of elders gather to watch. Food comes in really cheap with noodles starting from RM5.

Lamp souvenirs

A bunch of hawkers

Commercialization

Yes, Jonker Walk had made a name for itself especially with this night market. But the transition wasn’t as easy for the residents here at first. These shophouses were home to them but they had to move out due to the noise and hard commute especially on weekends. But there seems to be no signs of stopping this commercialization. As some residents leave or lend their old homes, new establishments would take place. But as it stands, Jonker Walk Night Market is one of the main draws for visiting Melaka. And yes I had fun strolling this busy street.

]]>http://www.ironwulf.net/2012/09/06/jonker-walk-night-market/feed/6The Melaka Riverside and the City’s Artistic Flairhttp://www.ironwulf.net/2012/09/04/the-melaka-riverside-and-the-citys-artistic-flair/
http://www.ironwulf.net/2012/09/04/the-melaka-riverside-and-the-citys-artistic-flair/#commentsTue, 04 Sep 2012 02:13:57 +0000http://www.ironwulf.net/?p=7010I received an invitation from a bunch of young professionals from Melaka, Malaysia to join their "A Date with Bloggers," an event to showcasing their rich food and culture of Melaka. It's been almost four years since my last day trip there and since I have a spare ticket to use at that time, I decided to go and possibly explore the area in a few days. From Manila, I flew to the LCCT airport, got on a Melaka bound bus. One and a half hour later, I was at Melaka Sentral. I was met by a young local organiser of the event and took me to my lodge, Sayang-Sayang Guest House which is found on the Melaka Riverside. I explored the back of the guest house and was immediately awed by the sight of the river and rows of houses filled with creative murals. I got a feeling I'm gonna like it here.

I received an invitation from a bunch of young professionals from Melaka, Malaysia to join their “A Date with Bloggers,” an event to showcasing their rich food and culture of Melaka. It’s been almost four years since my last day trip there and since I have a spare ticket to use at that time, I decided to go and possibly explore the area in a few days. From Manila, I flew to the LCCT airport, got on a Melaka bound bus. One and a half hour later, I was at Melaka Sentral. I was met by a young local organiser of the event and took me to my lodge, Sayang-Sayang Guest House which is found on the Melaka Riverside. I explored the back of the guest house and was immediately awed by the sight of the river and rows of houses filled with creative murals. I got a feeling I’m gonna like it here.

Inside the loft room at Sayang-sayang Guest House

Sayang-Sayang Guest House

It was one of those shophouses turned lodging but ingeniously done. It’s a backpacker hostel, where guest should leave their footwear by the door, thread silently on the narrow hall to avoid making noise along the thin walls. Toilet and Bath is communal. If you’re not used to it, it can be shocking, but if you’re a backpacker you’ll find the rooms a bit luxurious. Beyond the sliding doors is a small loft with a living room below and a bed upstairs amusingly crammed in such a small space. No windows but good thing the air conditioner works well. One thing I do like about this guest house is, it’s well-kept and tidy but my favourite is the location and easy access to the Melaka River.

Seeing the Melaka Riverside for the first time at night

Melaka Riverside Murals

My first glimpse of the Melaka Riverside is in the evening where the lights were up at the boardwalk and the murals were dramatically lit like a spotlight. There were benches by the river and I sat for a while enjoying the scene. There’s the occasional river cruise passing by even at night. It’s great that I get to slow down in Melaka this time unlike my first visit where we were always in a hurry.

Reflection on an undisturbed river

The river bend

River Transformation

It’s hard to imagine that more than 20 years ago, this river was murky, the houses flanking the river looks drab and I even heard there’s a noticeable stench. Somehow the people here managed to rehabilitate this river, add a splash of colour on the environs, spruce up the banks with a beautiful boardwalk and attractions making it what it is today now – a popular tourist attraction. And Melaka is proud of what they have done, walking along the boardwalk, I saw a picture of how it used to look before on a certain spot. Oh how I wish we could do something like this with our Pasig River.

Keeping the surroundings clean

Artistic City

Melaka has always been known as a UNESCO World Heritage City and I have seen the mix of influences in its buildings, structures and food. Now I have seen the artistic side of the city. The riverside murals was just a part of it. Even on some house ruins, locals managed to put a creative touch on a decrepit structure. The Orangutan House, housing the t-shirt designs and artworks of local artist Charlie Cham is also a show stopper at a street corner near the famous Jonker Walk. I’m sure if I explored further there are a lot more to be found in hidden nooks and corners. This is the one thing I liked about Melaka, one of the cities that imbibe one’s sense of creativity.

]]>http://www.ironwulf.net/2012/09/04/the-melaka-riverside-and-the-citys-artistic-flair/feed/6Yangon: Walking Downtown and Crossing through Sule Payahttp://www.ironwulf.net/2012/01/02/yangon-downtown-and-sule-paya/
http://www.ironwulf.net/2012/01/02/yangon-downtown-and-sule-paya/#commentsMon, 02 Jan 2012 05:31:32 +0000http://www.ironwulf.net/?p=6296“Where are you from?” is the usual ice-breaker question people here would ask. “I’m from the Phillippines” I replied with a smile as I bite into my toasted slice of bread with a healthy layer of butter and strawberry jam while having breakfast. Young adults here like to engage in a conversation to practice their English. “Where are you going today?” I told him that I’d be leaving tonight for Bagan but this morning I’ll hit the streets of Downtown Yangon first to do some sightseeing.

The Mahabandoola Road at the Indian Quarters with Sule Paya on the Horizon

“Where are you from?” is the usual ice-breaker question people here would ask. “I’m from the Phillippines” I replied with a smile as I bite into my toasted slice of bread with a healthy layer of butter and strawberry jam while having breakfast. Young adults here like to engage in a conversation to practice their English. “Where are you going today?” I told him that I’d be leaving tonight for Bagan but this morning I’ll hit the streets of Downtown Yangon first to do some sightseeing.

Some of the communal water stations on the streets

I felt refreshed after finally having a quality sleep that night on a proper bed. I needed that since I would be in transit in the evening which means sleeping lightly in a bus. Energized, I started my way to the main street, walking towards the stretch of Mahabandoola Road from Motherland Inn 2 all the way to China Quarters where I ate last night after visiting the Shwedagon Paya. The China Quarters was exciting as the streets were transformed into a sprawling hawker area. For a foreigner like me, it would be interesting to see the street activities especially that busy workday morning.

A local wearing the longyi and using an umbrella

First thing I noticed were the numerous water containers spread a few meters apart on the streets. Typical are the clay pot water jars with plastic plate to cover the top with a single metal cup on each. It may also vary from the regular water jugs from water stations but the concept here that these are communal water containers shared using a communal cup. Immediately, my senses were on alarm thinking about the spread of disease and sickness with a lot of anonymous people freely using those cups and dunking them on the water. But asking locals about it, some had mastered drinking without touching their lips on the cup but still my attempts on trying them out were futile.

Pigeon feeding in the morning

But looking beyond the hygienic obsessions I have, these public water stations symbolizes how the community looks after each other as these are personal water offerings from the households to strangers. With Myanmar having dry weather at times, this is a good way to keep people hydrated on the streets.

Sule Paya at the rotonda

The transition between the dusty inner suburban streets to the more commercial city center was apparent during my walk. The rush hour saw a lot of people from different walks of life spread across the streets. Common sight is the numerous cylindrical metal food canisters, where you can stack as many levels as you want, being brought along their work. Pigeon feeding seems to be a morning ritual for some and like the Vietnamese, a lot seem to like to take their breakfast on the streets before heading to their destinations. Umbrellas seem to be a regular accessory, whether with male or female and common with monks, to be used against the heat of the sun.

The Sule Paya has a unique octagonal stupa in Myanmar

People, despite rushing through their works still finds time to do some quick prayer and offerings on Nat Shrines hanging usually on the large age old trees. Reading newspapers is a regular past time for those who aren’t in a hurry. Technology is catching up in Myanmar with a considerable number of people having mobile phones and numerous MP3/MP4 signage spread across the streets. Phone IDD services are pretty popular at the streets as well costing around 300kyat per minute.

People bathing Buddha at Sule Paya

As I near Sule Paya, presence of monks and nuns begging for their morning alms were ubiquitous. The annoying ones were the shady characters at the streets offering to change money which I don’t really recommend. The grand Yangon City Hall stands in authority at the wide open rotunda streets behind Sule Paya.

Catching the Bus at the Indian Quarter

Sule Paya is one of the big 3 Payas in Yangon along with Shwedagon Paya and Botataung Paya. It’s unusually placed at the centre of the intersection and the business district, just shows how Buddhism is still the heart of the city. It’s worth paying the US2 or 2000 kyat to see the unique octagonal shaped stupa inside and people pausing amidst the busy streets to say a prayer. There are commercial stalls on the ground level with money changers, gadgets stores and fortune tellers.

one of the numerous IDD Phone services at the streets

Past Sule Paya is the Indian and Chinese Quarters. The busy street is teeming with people trying to ride the jam packed buses. Numerous stores line the streets selling just about everything from street foods, to MP3/MP4 players and other gadgets, beverages, household items even software and movie DVDs. At the Indian Quarters, the unique looking Clock Tower from Sri Siva Temple sticks out while Sule Paya can still be seen prominently over the elevated pedestrian way.

People like to read at the streets

The China Quarters isn’t as chaotic in the daytime as I saw the night before but the market nearby is still an interesting visit as well. From thanaka vendors to fresh fruits, fresh catch fish, vegetable, meats or some crispy critters. The Betel nut vendors remind me of the takatak cigarette vendors in Manila. The China Quarters was the end of my walk as it was already mid-day. It was interesting to see the culture from the streets and gave an insight of the day to day street life here in Downtown Yangon. People were pleasantly accommodating and didn’t really mind me taking photos as well.

We arrived at Grandpa's Inn in the afternoon. We took our time to get acquainted with our rooms and also to ease up from that long drive. I let our driver who also happens to be a friend of mine and fellow mountain climber before take his much deserved rest. He just came from a climbing stint from Bicol and drove all the way to our house to continue up here in Vigan. In the mean time, the family rounded up to prepare for a late afternoon walk at the famed Calle Crisologo.

We arrived at Grandpa’s Inn in the afternoon. We took our time to get acquainted with our rooms and also to ease up from that long drive. I let our driver who also happens to be a friend of mine and fellow mountain climber before take his much deserved rest. He just came from a climbing stint from Bicol and drove all the way to our house to continue up here in Vigan. In the mean time, the family rounded up to prepare for a late afternoon walk at the famed Calle Crisologo.

At the street corner

Nothing much has changed since last I went here, which is a good thing. Calle Crisologo is still closed from vehicular traffic except for calesas. The ancestral houses there are still well preserved save for additional tourist shops on some of the houses. I’ve written extensively about Vigan and Calle Crisologo being a UNESCO World Heritage site before so I won’t write too much about it. (Check out A Walk Down History Lane).

Lighting up for the night

I’d let the images speak for itself this time. I love the details here and how Calle Crisologo Lights up at dusk. I played around with the Grainy Black and White Art Filters while shooting and though some works well in monotone and some in colour. I’ve been to other UNESCO Heritage Cities like Vietnam’s Hoi An or Malaysia’s Jonker Walk but I still like Vigan a lot even having seen these places

Before going any further about my trip in mainland China, I first have to tell you something about their culture. Unlike the coastal cities in China, almost NO ONE can speak in English which can be quite a challenge. So unless you have a friend who can read and speak passable Chinese, a guide book with Chinese characters or hire a professional guide, it can be hard to survive there. Aside from that, they have behaviors that can be "Shocking" to us Filipinos or other Foreign nationals as well. If any people from the Mainland China is reading this, I meant no disrespect but only give my observation that can lessen the initial "shock" first timers may get. In fact other Chinese also detest some of their boorish behavior. It's a reality we can't change, since these may have rooted since ancient times. So what I advise is to keep an open mind. Once you get past these you'll be able to adapt and enjoy your stay there.

Before going any further about my trip in mainland China, I first have to tell you something about their culture. Unlike the coastal cities in China, almost NO ONE can speak in English there which can be quite a challenge. So unless you have a friend who can read and speak “passable” Chinese, a guide book with Chinese characters or hire a professional guide, it can be hard to survive there. Aside from that, they have behaviors that can be “Culturally Shocking” to us Filipinos or other Foreign nationals as well. If any people from the Mainland China is reading this, I meant no disrespect but only give my honest observation that can lessen the initial “shock” first timers may get. In fact other Chinese also detest some of their boorish behavior. It’s a reality we can’t change, since these may have rooted since ancient times. So what I advise is to keep an open mind. Once you get past these you’ll be able to adapt and enjoy your stay there.

Bag Pockets filled with cards [Nokia N82]

Very Very Very Persistent Touts. My first encounter with touts in China is when I got off the bus in Shangqingshi, Chongqing coming from the airport. One thing to note though is I can’t hide the fact that I’m not Chinese in my feature. I’m more brown and very Filipino in looks. So when I stepped down the bus, there were a few touts who seems tame at first then when I was fixing my bags touts started pouring in. Last thing I know they were all over swarming me and putting those cards and leaflets in my bag pockets. I try to be polite and say “Stop” with a hand signal and tried to run away. That’s when it gets more persistent that touts started to put more stuffs on my bag’s side pockets and hey even my pants pockets!! Geesh. And that’s just the start. We’ve encountered different kind of touts throughout our trip that they even follow you around even when you try to run away from them. The trick is to Deny their existence or even acknowledge them.

Jie Fang Bei bus ticketing counters [SE K800i]

Chinese Cutting In. Some Chinese would just rudely cut you in queue. At airports even. At first they would approach the counter seemingly innocent to inquire but when they see a chance to get in, they will get in. You can find their types at bus stations and airports. What you can do is block them with your shoulders or even your bags just to hint a message to them.

Train to Tongren public Toilet [Nokia N82]

Stay away from public toilets as much as possible. Ok, I’m no stranger to squat-type toilets, in fact I have no problem with that. It’s just that for public toilets (men’s toilets that is) which their sign says “WC”, they have no doors for the squat cubicles. The first time I went inside a public toilet was in a bus station in Dazu, Chongqing. As I enter I saw a man taking a poop and thought someone was using the whole restroom and moved back. Then I noticed there were other cubicles and other men on the pee-ing side. Hey they really don’t have doors! So you just have to get used to peeing with some pooping men looking behind your back. It’s kind of uncomfortable at first with seeing a line of pooping men on one side and sometimes smelling their poo while you urinate. So if you must go and gotta take a dump go to a much high end place like a mall or a hotel or a fast food chain where they have doors.

Provincial Bus to Leshan [Nokia N82]

Beware of the Spits! It must be the cold weather. But it is a very very common scene to see and hear people spit everywhere. 10-20 minutes will not pass without you hearing someone expel their phlegm and spit. Both men and women do. They spit inside a public bus even inside the train. So be very careful where you step on the bus or put down your things, spits can be found on the inner sides walls. On more high end buses, they already have small plastic bags ready on the seat pockets in front of you or you can get one from the driver. Somehow I understand about the phlegm during cold, but expelling loudly and spitting in public places? You better prepare.

Smokers all around. A lot of Chinese smoke, even young teens which is disconcerting. And worse they do not even care where they smoke. They smoke even in enclosed buses, trains, taxi cabs, restaurants and even inside elevators. Even if the sign says “No Smoking” they will smoke. I noticed that some Chinese are even bothered by this as well but they can’t do anything about it.

A street in Chengdu [Nokia N82]

Wild Street Behaviors. One thing we learned is that it’s hard to take a taxi in any of the cities we’ve been. You literally have to run for it sometimes. One craziest taxi experience we had was in Zhangjiajie in Hunan where our taxi suddenly went on a pedestrian walkway with people still walking just to avoid a traffic block. We’re actually on a pedestrian lane where people were walking. Just crazy. And when you see a man just suddenly shouting at the streets, just leave them alone.

Guangzhou main train station tunnel exit [Olympus E500]

Well that’s just about it. Let me clear it up that NOT ALL Chinese exhibit these behaviors but they are quite common. Some Chinese are even willing to help as we encountered some of them as my friend says though I didn’t understand their conversation. I guess it’s just a matter of sorting them out. There are some other things to watch out for like huge huge crowds in some public transportation places but that’s to be expected. Flag-toting Tour groups which can ruin your view. There’s aren’t many foreign tourist here, we only saw very few Americans and Europeans. There are a lot more local Chinese tourist to compete with. And did I mention that whenever you see a Chinese well dressed in tux or suites, it means they are going to travel. Not necessarily on a meeting but just travel itself. I should try that sometime.